Unilateral Meniere Disease: Can Double Dose Gadolinium and Delayed Imaging Make the Diagnosis?

Diagnosing Endolymphatic Hydrops in Patients With Meniere Disease Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Intravenous Gadolinium Administration

The purpose of this research study is to see if magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with a double dose of contrast, or dye, and delayed imaging with MRI can help to diagnose Meniere Disease.

Meniere's disease (MD) is a medical condition causing attacks of vertigo, ringing in the ears, hearing loss and often a fullness in the ear. Currently there is no definitive test to diagnose the problem. It is believed to be caused by inner ear abnormalities, specifically of an over-collection of lymphatic fluid.The goal of this trial is to determine if an MRI with double dose of IV gadolinium can be diagnostic.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of unilateral Meniere Disease (MD) per the Committee on Hearing and Equilibrium of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS)
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) > 90 mls/min/1.73 m2
• Creatinine (Cr) level serum < 1.6 mg/dl

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• Diagnosis of bilateral MD
• History of prior temporal bone surgery
• History of cochlear implant placement
• Pacemaker, cardiac implantable electronic device, shrapnel, aneurysm clips or other metal objects that are prohibited in the MR suite
• GFR < 90 mls/min/1.73m2
• Cr level > 1.6 mg/d
• Lack of IV access
• Contrast allergy to gadolinium agent
• Pregnancy
• Claustrophobia necessitating parenteral anxiolytics
• Patients who are unable to provide informed consent for themselves